Special Events

NYC Marathon Charity Racer Spotlight: Lydia Kouletsis

Asphalt Green | Sep 25, 2015

On November 1, Lydia Kouletsis will step to the start line of the New York City Marathon with more than 50,000 people. As one of Asphalt Green’s charity racers, Lydia is racing not only for herself but also to improve the lives of New Yorkers through sports and fitness. Get to know Lydia better, and find out what motivated her to run 26.2.

Q: What motivated you to run the New York City Marathon?

A: I’m currently completing my quest to run 50 marathons in 50 states, and the NYC Marathon is a landmark race that I’ve always looked forward to running.

Q: How many marathons have you run?

A: NYC will be my fourth marathon. I’ve completed marathons in Maine, New Hampshire, and Delaware.

Q: Why did you decide to run with and fundraise for Asphalt Green?

A: Once I decided to run the NYC Marathon for a charity, I wanted it to be an organization with a mission that resonated with me. Fitness and health have always been huge parts of my life, so I am proud to represent an institution that provides such incredible wellness opportunities to those who may otherwise go without them.

Q: How long have you been running?

A: I started racing competitively on my college’s cross country team in 2010. I began adding longer distances (10Ks and half marathons) into my career and ran my first marathon in June 2014. Since then, I’ve completed marathons and triathlons.

Q: How did you get into the sport?

A: I played soccer and lacrosse in high school, but my favorite part was always running. When I got to college and joined the cross country team, I absolutely loved it! I decided to run and train for longer distances on my own. The more races that I compete in, the more I love the sport!

Q: What do you love about the sport? Who or what inspires you?

A: I love the opportunity that running gives me to relax and clear my mind. No matter what else may be happening, running is always there to give me a chance to breathe and be calm. My parents and grandparents have always empowered me and inspired me to do anything I set my mind to, so they are my greatest inspiration in running.

Q: How do you stay motivated while training, especially during longer runs?

A: My love of running and the joy it gives me motivate me to keep going. I look forward to my longer runs because they give me a chance to explore more areas than shorter runs do!

Q: What is your favorite song on your running playlist?

A: I’ve always been a very minimalist runner and don’t listen to music when I run outside! Everyone always tells me that I should get bored after a few miles, but being outside is all the stimulation I need to have fun.